Aug. 31, 2011

As part of my emergency kit for when the lights went out – and they did for three days – was my old transistor radio (not to mention a wind-up model I keep as a backup, backup). My friends know that I’ve been through lots of power outages over the years and when they ask me what precautions I take, I tell them that besides the extra water, dry goods and candles, I always pack my “transistor.” Smile.

So when Irene came barreling through, downing trees and wiping out power cables it was my reliable radio that kept me locked into the news, which unfortunately was not all that good. But at least I was not totally in the dark.

And when it was all over, folks who had taken my advice and who had not really listened to the radio in quite awhile were delighted to have that personal companion. They felt informed and not isolated. Because that’s what radio does better than any other media: it makes you feel connected.

I packed up my radio this morning – it’s a Grundig emergency model, with batteries, wind-up and a little flashlight – and put it away for the next event. Because I’m sure one is not far away and when it comes, I’ll be ready – and in touch.